If your brand is on Instagram or other social media platforms, your current followers are likely also your future customers. Engaging them now, and continuing to keep them engaged, can influence the likelihood of maintaining – and reaping the benefits of – their long-term loyalty.

Nicholas Bloom, William Eberle Professor of Economics at Stanford University, conducted an extensive study of 30,000 US factories, and found that two practices, underpinned by innovative software and IT systems, stand out in highly effectively managed operations: monitoring and incentives.

Many major cities recognize the opportunity to improve urban life with data analytics, and are exploring how to use information technologies to develop smarter services and a more sustainable footprint. Amsterdam, which has been working toward becoming a “smart city” for almost 7 years, offers insights into the complexities facing city managers who see the opportunity with data, but must collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve their goals. The city’s chief technology officer, Ger Baron, makes it clear that their efforts are still early days: “I can give you the nice stories that we’re doing great stuff with data and information, but we’re very much at a starting point,” he says.

New advances in machine learning are allowing sales teams to manage huge amounts of data to become more effective and efficient. Our research suggests three main ways machine learning is being successfully integrated into sales processes. First, it allows for a scientific approach that clarifies opaque parts of the sales process. Second, it enables more-effective data-driven experimentation. Third, it automates administrative duties that take time away from higher-value tasks.